The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo has welcomed sentencing of well-known
hip-hop artist, Samuel Boomfire Mbuyane (42), to three life terms of direct imprisonment for raping a minor boy in 2020. The Burgersfort Regional Court further declared Mbuyane unfit to possess a firearm and ordered inclusion of details on the National Register for Sex Offenders.
The rape accused was sentenced on Friday, 4 July, on compelling evidence for raping the victim, now 14-years-old. Mbuyane reportedly raped the victim in 2020 at his home in the Driekop village.
Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, NPA regional spokesperson, regards Mbuyane’s sentencing a landmark in a statement.
“This sentencing underscore the NPA’s unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable children and combating gender-based violence.”
Malabi-Dzhangi said evidence presented in court revealed the accused committed the heinous acts from 6 to 8 November 2020 and that he lured the victim to his home in Driekop village under the pretense of playing music.
“Once inside, he restrained the boy by tying him to a chair, raped him, and threatened to kill him if he disclosed the abuse to his family, claiming the victim was his “wife.”
Mbuyane further gave the boy a phone with an alarm set as a reminder to return for additional assaults. The victim, coerced by fear, returned twice and was raped again on each occasion. The abused came to light when the victim’s mother noticed his physical pain and distress,” said Malabi-Dzhang.
Following the discovery of the sexual abuse, she said community members apprehended Mbuyane and alerted the police, who arrested the accused. Malabi-Dzhang said Mbuyane pleaded not guilty and denied the allegation, amid evidence.
She said that state Prosecutor Victor Mafolo presented a compelling case. “This was supported by the victim’s testimony, now 14-years old, his mother’s account, and medical evidence confirming the assaults. A Victim Impact Statement, compiled with the assistance of a Court Preparation Officer, detailed the profound psychological trauma and social stigma the victim faced, including peer ostracism and the need to change schools. The court found the prosecution’s evidence credible and rejected Mbuyane’s defence as baseless, affirming the gravity of his predatory actions. Finding no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate, the court imposed three life terms to run concurrently, alongside firearm restrictions and sex offender registry inclusion,” said Malabi-Dzhang.
“In aggravation of sentence, prosecutor Mafolo argued that Mbuyane’s status as a community figure and his exploitation of the victim’s trust warranted the severest penalty. She emphasised the lifelong trauma inflicted on the victim, who was forced to witness his own repeated violation, and the broader scourge of GBV in South Africa. Mafolo urged the court to impose three life terms under Section 51 (1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997 to deter similar offences and protect society,” said Malabi-Dzhang.
She said the presiding magistrate concurred harsh sentence against Mbuyane for brutal violation of a defenceless child and demands permanent removal from society.
“The NPA commends the courage of the young victim, whose disclosure, supported by his mother and community, ensured accountability. The NPA urges communities to remain vigilant in protecting children, reporting abuse promptly, and supporting survivors through TCCs, which offer medical, psychological, and legal assistance. This case highlights the critical role of parents and community members in recognising signs of distress and taking decisive action,” said Malabi-Dzhang.
Mbuyane’s lengthy sentencing was the culmination of probing by the investigator Sgt. Jacob Letsatsi Mojalefa working together with the prosecutor Mafolo to ensure justice for the victim.
